Escape to the south — road cycling in Gran Canaria
Road Cycling Collection by komoot
7
Tours
46:39 h
466 mi
56,775 ft
Rugged cliffs, beautiful sandy beaches, fertile valleys and bizarre rock formations. Tough climbs, endless descents and views that will make you cry for joy. Welcome to Gran Canaria, an area that's so full of variety, it's hard to believe it's an island. And thanks to smooth roads and a perfect climate, you can comfortably explore it on your road bike — 365 days a year.
Whether you're looking for a sporty cycling holiday or want to plan an intensive training camp, Gran Canaria is one of the best places you could go. It doesn't matter when you plan it; here, the weather always good—and while it's still pleasantly mild in winter, spring or autumn are arguably the best times to go.
One of the best representatives of the island's variety is its microclimate zones, of which there are an unbelievable 14. The differences are actually fairly pronounced—just don't expect to encounter rain. You won't find much of that here, whatever microclimate you ride through. In the south, you'll find mostly dry and sunny weather, whereas it tends to be fairly cloudy in the north, something the locals refer to as "donkey belly".
A cycling trip on Gran Canaria rarely comprises relaxing day rides. Because of its topography, you're going to spend most of your time fighting uphill climbs. The island itself actually resembles a cone, with Pico de Las Nieves rising out of the sea to over 6,000 feet (1,950 meters). Therefore, you'll start pedaling uphill as soon as you leave the coastline. And while this is not going to be easy, the fantastic views and breathtaking downhill runs will make it more than worthwhile.
For your starting point, we recommend Maspalomas—the touristic epicenter of the island. Here, you'll find accommodation options to suit every budget, restaurants to suit every taste and everything you'll need to start your cycling holiday, from bike rental shops to stores for spare parts.
To help you experience the best of this island, we've planned a collection of rides as diverse as Gran Canaria itself. Below, you'll find everything from short warm-up rides to tough mountain challenges, as well as a complete tour around the island.
On The Map
Tours & Highlights
- 02:4735.2 mi12.6 mph2,775 ft2,875 ftIntermediateIntermediate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
Going flat on Gran Canaria is almost impossible. This short drive along the south coast is pretty much the flattest option possible here. It is best suited to acclimatize or actively support regeneration.
Today you will not get to know idyllic mountain villages or cross beautiful valleys. It is as it…
by komoot
- 06:0263.0 mi10.5 mph8,225 ft8,250 ftExpertExpert road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
The 1949 meter high Pico de las Nieves is the highest point of Gran Canaria. There must be a nice pass up there, right? Of course there is that. In fact, even several roads lead up to the island's central peak, which incidentally is the tip of an extinct volcano - including spectacular scenery.
Today…
by komoot
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- 01:4220.4 mi12.0 mph1,825 ft1,975 ftIntermediateIntermediate road ride. Good fitness required. Some portions of the Tour may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
Whether as a warm-up, good-bye or short evening round - this tour is perfect if you want to take it easy. Nevertheless, you get everything offered, which makes a Gran Canaria bike tour. The typical height profile, the great view and the final descent down to the beach are not missing today. Only everything…
by komoot
- 11:0388.0 mi8.0 mph12,425 ft12,450 ftExpertExpert bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
Gran Canaria is beautiful. Gran Canaria is also very demanding. That's exactly what you'll test today. This tour is just right for you, if you want to go to your limits again. Today you will climb some Gran Canaria classics and in this way you will have a whopping 3790 meters in altitude.
Partly the roads…
by komoot
- 04:4854.9 mi11.5 mph5,500 ft5,575 ftExpertExpert road ride. Very good fitness required. Some portions of the Tour may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
This tour packs the best of southern Gran Canaria into a compact round. You will climb a few mountains, drive through idyllic villages and towns, and roll along the coast back to the beach in Maspalomas. Today, it's not about breaking records or finding your own boundaries. Today it's high on "half height…
by komoot
- 07:4577.9 mi10.1 mph11,475 ft11,650 ftExpertExpert road ride. Very good fitness required. Some portions of the Tour may require you to push your bike.
You can get to know the Pico de las Nieves from its easier south driveway or beat it on the hard way. Today, the direct drive from Ingenio is on the program.
About 1700 vertical meters on 25 kilometers - you know what that means. The legs will burn but the endorphins will swell. At the top you will feel…
by komoot
- 12:33126 mi10.1 mph14,525 ft14,525 ftExpertExpert road ride. Very good fitness required. Some portions of the Tour may require you to push your bike.
Gran Canaria is sometimes referred to as a miniature continent because of its diversity. From this point of view, this round could also be called a Transcontinental Tour. Because today it's about the island. And that's a piece of work 208 kilometers long. But also a tour full of impressive landscapes…
by komoot
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Collection Stats
- Tours7
- Distance466 mi
- Duration46:39 h
- Elevation56,775 ft
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